Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP)
Why in News?
PIB has released 65 FAQs on the Ken-Betwa Link Project, clearing doubts on land acquisition, the environment, the Ken-Betwa, and the benefits. It is India's First River Interlinking Project.
What is KBLP?
It is the priority project under the National Perspective Plan for Interlinking of Rivers (1980) to reach the implementation stage.
The idea is simple: transfer surplus water from the Ken basin to the water-deficit Betwa basin to solve the permanent water crisis of the Bundelkhand region of MP and UP.
Main components:
| Daudhan Dam: | 96.7 m high dam on the Ken River in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts, MP—about 40 km from Khajuraho. |
| Ken-Betwa Link Canal: | 216.465 km long canal taking off from Daudhan Dam and merging into Barua Sagar near Jhansi. |
| Other components: | Lower Orr Project, Kotha Barrage, and Bina Complex Multipurpose Project. |
| State-specific works: | modernization of existing canals, renovation of tanks, barrages, pumping, and micro-irrigation systems. |
| Cost and Status: | Total cost Rs 44,605 crore. Foundation stone laid by PM on 25th December 2024. Dam work is under construction; canal work is yet to start. Target completion is 2030. |
Why Does Bundelkhand Need It?
Bundelkhand faces recurrent drought, dependence on rainfall, declining groundwater, and poor irrigation. KBLP is not just an irrigation project but a water-security and regional development initiative.
Key Benefits –
Irrigation: 10.62 lakh hectares
Drinking Water: 62 lakh people Power: 103 MW hydropower + 27 MW solar power
Districts Benefited: MP: Chhatarpur, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Panna, Sagar, Damoh, Datia, Vidisha, Shivpuri, Raisen
UP: Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi, Lalitpur
Agriculture Impact: More cropping intensity, crop diversification, high-value crops, less drought vulnerability, and higher farm income.
Employment: The construction phase generates jobs in civil works, transport, and material supply. Long-term jobs in agriculture, agro-industries, and markets. Reduces distress migration.
Other benefits: Groundwater recharge through tank rejuvenation along the canal, flood cushion during monsoon through automated spillway gates and a 24x7 control room, and continuous minimum environmental flow maintained for downstream villages.
It will improve project roads, which helps in the movement of produce and access to schools and health centers.
It will not eliminate drought completely but will substantially improve drought resilience.
Land, People, and R&R
Affected Area: 22 villages—8 in Panna and 14 in Chhatarpur.
Who is PAF?
As per the LARR Act 2013, Project Affected Family includes landowners, tenants, agrilaborers, sharecroppers, STs, and forest dwellers whose livelihood or forest rights are affected.
Family Unit: Person + spouse + minor children + dependent minor siblings. Adult sons/daughters above 18, widows, divorcees, and deserted women are treated as separate families.
Special R&R Package by MP Govt (Approved 13 Sept 2023):
Land compensation: Rate as per act or Rs 12.50 lakh per hectare, whichever is higher. Houses, trees, wells, and tube wells are compensated as per law.
House plot grant: Rs 7 lakh in rural area, Rs 6.50 lakh in urban area.
If the family doesn't want a plot: Lump sum of Rs 12.50 lakh per family. Extra assistance for eligible SC/ST families in Scheduled Areas. Landless families whose livelihood is affected are also considered PAFs.
Livelihood restoration: Skill training, SHG grants, small business help, and priority in project jobs.
Progress so far:
Awards worth Rs 629.87 crore passed for 5,039 families, with Rs 604.745 crore (96%) already paid.
For the habitation area, 94% paid.
A re-survey was done for left-out names, and the National Monitoring Committee and District Administration are monitoring fairness. Field facilitation officers help families with paperwork free of cost.
Tribal Rights and Clearances
Rights of tribals protected under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
Free, prior, and informed consent of Gram Sabhas taken before forest clearance. Forest clearance given on 03.10.2023.
All statutory clearances received: Wildlife Clearance 2016, Environmental Clearance 25.08.2017, Tribal Affairs Clearance 2017, Forest Clearance 2023.
A public hearing was conducted as per EIA Notification 2006.
Environment Concern - Panna Tiger Reserve
This is the most debated part. Daudhan Dam lies in the Panna landscape.
Mitigation measures:
Compensatory afforestation as per forest law. Equivalent non-forest land given adjacent to the core area of Panna Tiger Reserve.
Integrated Landscape Management Plan (ILMP) prepared by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for Greater Panna Landscape—one of the biggest conservation plans in India for tigers, vultures, and Gharial.
Greater Panna Landscape Council (GPLC) was formed under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, MP, for time-bound implementation.
Catchment Area Treatment, biodiversity conservation, and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) funds are earmarked. Principle: Development and environment must progress together.
Forward
KBLP is a template for future river linking projects. The challenge is to balance 3 things — delivering water security to backward Bundelkhand, ensuring justice and dignity for 5,000+ displaced families through transparent compensation, and protecting the Panna Tiger Reserve ecology through ILMP. If implemented with transparency, it can transform Bundelkhand from a drought-prone region to a prosperous agricultural hub.
